Carragher ‘disturbed’ by Boehly’s grand plans; Chelsea co-owner proves ESL is just ‘in hibernation’
Jamie Carragher is “disturbed” by Todd Boehly’s plans for English football as the pundit thinks that the European Super League is “merely in hibernation”.
The American businessman completed his takeover of Chelsea earlier this year. He has caused a major stir this week as he revealed how he thinks English football should be revolutionised.
Among his suggestions was that the Premier League should introduce a North vs South All-Star game. This would be used to provide funds for teams in the Football League.
Todd Boehly and his All-Star comments fit the worst stereotypes of American owners
His comments come just over a year after the European Super League was launched. This proposed league involved Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
European giants FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus appeared to be at the forefront of the launch, which soon fell flat on its face due to huge backlash from fans, the media, managers and ex-players.
Following the collapse of the ESL, the owners of Arsenal (Stan Kroenke) and Man Utd (the Glazer family) have suffered as their relationship with fans has worsened.
The European Super League has gone away for now but it would not be a surprise to anyone if it resurfaced in the near future.
Carragher is concerned about this. He thinks that the ESL is “not dead” as the league is “merely in hibernation” before the teams decide to try again with a fresh launch:
“What disturbed me most about Boehly’s comments in midweek is that they proved such cynicism to be correct,” Carragher wrote for The Daily Telegraph.
“The sentiments which led to the Super League fiasco are not dead, merely in hibernation. With businessmen like Boehly waiting to seize the next opportunity to mould our game into an ill-fitting vision, his comments suggesting English football is not generating as much cash as it should be.
“That is why my Sky Sports colleague, Gary Neville, is so adamant an independent regulator is needed. Ensuring what begins as an ‘opinion’ does not turn into a plan formulated by the most powerful clubs.
“I am not one of these ‘traditionalists’ who are against brainstorming meetings in which football’s administrators look to the future and find new means of exciting supporters and, yes, making money in the process.
“That is what keeps the sport driving forward. Even if – as in all parts of society – I am passionate about wealth being distributed more fairly rather than the rich getting richer.
“Football needs people with vision. Let’s not forget the idea of teams from different countries playing each other in a European competition was considered radical and controversial once. With the English Football Association initially reluctant to participate.”